Top theatre and musicals to stream during lockdown

With tier restrictions likely to be in place for a while, we've provided a round-up of some of the best streamed shows (live or pre-recorded) you can check out now!

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The Color Purple

After working wonders with Sunset Boulevard, Curve Leicester will now team up with the Birmingham Hippodrome to create a concert version from the WhatsOnStage Award-winning production of The Color Purple. Curve will offer a range of accessible performances throughout the run, including captioned and audio described streams – from 16 February.

Romeo and Juliet

Sam Tutty, Emily Redpath and Derek Jacobi lead the cast of this new version of Shakespeare's classic, recorded in Covid-safe conditions with some marvellous special effects.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Dan Stevens and Rebecca Hall will star in the one-night-only reading of Shakespeare's classic in March.

Northern Stage

The venue will be streaming a variety of bits and bobs across the coming months as part of its 2021 season.

Iris Theatre

The venue will host Platform in the Gardens, a series of performances recorded in the gardens of the Actors' Church during the company's outdoor summer festival in 2020. These are available until the end of March. Streams are fully captioned.

Barnes' People

Four Peter Barnes monologues will be available from 18 February to 31 July, led by top-tier stage and screen talent. English subtitles are available.

All On Her Own

Janie Dee leads the cast of this streamed version of Terence Rattigan's solo piece – available from 16 to 21 February. Access info is not provided – we'll find out.

Sheffield Theatres

The venue is going to stream two productions from its main stage! We await further news – including access options.

Rifco Theatre's Leave the Plastic On

The company's comedy series is available to watch now – top notch production values and some whip-sharp dialogue. The show has closed captions.

Gatsby

A Cadogan Hall recording will be made available for audiences next month – retelling F Scott Fitzgerald's great 20th century masterpiece. Accessibility options tbc.

National Theatre at Home

The National has its own streaming service! You can even catch its new pantomime on there, as well as a host of additional award-winning productions. Captioned and audio-described performances are available.

The Space

The venue will launch its second season of streamed work from Friday (8 January) – expect fresh and novel theatre from a groundbreaking organisation.

Until the Flood

The Traverse Theatre has uploaded this hit play from Dael Orlandersmith to its website so you can watch at your viewing pleasure. Well worth checking it out!

BBC iPlayer

A number of stage goodies are on the Beeb's streaming site, including Uncle Vanya and Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes! A plethora have Audio description and captions.

Bristol Old Vic

The venue is presenting a variety of shows as part of a package until the end of February. Contact the venue for access options.

Treason the Musical

Streamed over the course of three days later this year, the show is based on the infamous Gunpowder plot. Casting is tbc.

The Theatre Channel

Some top tier musical performances are provided by the Theatre Channel, a new endeavour that sees West End staple The Theatre Café transformed into a luscious stage for vocalists. Captions available.

The Old Vic

The theatre is re-streaming some starry specials including Lungs and Three Kings with Andrew Scott. Accessible performances are available through the run.

RSC's online season

Every weekend the RSC is treating virtual audiences to live experiences, including an upcoming look at a musical project in development.

Original Theatre

One of the first companies to hit the ground running with streamed work was Original Theatre, who created masterpieces such as Birdsong Online. Their most recent show, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, is available now, as well as old hits like The Habit of Art.

Southwark Playhouse

The venue has dedicated itself to streaming new and innovative work since the most recent tier restrictions, with a plethora of work on offer. March will see The Sorcerer's Apprentice being made available, while Public Domain and The Fabulist Fox Sister are being re-shown over the coming weeks.

Stream.theatre

A new player in the streaming game already making waves, the site has the likes of The Last Five Years and Pirates of Penzance.

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

The hit musical is being brought back in digital form with a cast including Oliver Tompsett and Brenda Edwards. Available from 28 to 30 January 2021